CITY OF MISSOURI VALLEY, IOWA CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES July 7, 2026 Mayor Marshall called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council Members present were Tuttle, Keizer, Struble, Gilpin, and Meadows. Also present were City staff and members of the public. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Approval of Agenda Motion by Struble, second by Tuttle, to approve the agenda for July 7, 2026. Roll Call: Tuttle, Keizer, Struble, Meadows, and Gilpin — all ayes. Motion carried. Public Hearing – Missouri Valley Comprehensive Plan Mayor Marshall opened the public hearing to receive comments on the proposed Missouri Valley Comprehensive Plan. Dani Briggs of Southwest Iowa Planning Council (SWIPCO) presented an overview of the planning process, including public engagement efforts, community survey results, the plan's goals, and its relationship to future zoning and land use decisions. There were no written comments and no additional oral comments. The Mayor closed the public hearing. Public Comment Patty Stueve addressed the Council regarding property maintenance concerns at 510 N. 6th Street, ordinance enforcement related to overgrown vegetation, shipping containers, and road projects. Council acknowledged the concerns and noted that staff would continue investigating applicable enforcement procedures. Ray Lager commented on the proposed sale of city-owned properties and referenced Iowa Code requirements regarding the public hearing process. Staff explained that public hearings on the proposed property conveyances were scheduled for July 21, 2026, in accordance with legal requirements. Consent Agenda Motion by Tuttle, second by Struble, to approve the Consent Agenda, including: Minutes of June 16, 2026 City Council Meeting. June 2026 Project Update Report. Mayor's reappointment of Library Board members Phyllis Henrich, Ashley West-Joons, and Jan Chvala, with terms expiring July 2032. Tobacco Permit for Taylor's (1961 Highway 30). Roll Call: Tuttle, Keizer, Struble, Meadows, and Gilpin — all ayes. Motion carried. Chamber of Commerce Update Jeannie Wortman provided an update on recent Chamber activities, thanked City staff and community partners for assistance with recent events, reviewed upcoming Chamber events, and requested that the Council consider regulations addressing e-bikes and golf carts operated by minors. Library Update Library Director Dawn Meadows presented the June Library report, highlighting Summer Reading Program participation, special programming, upcoming events, and expressed appreciation to City staff for assistance during a recent air conditioning outage. Building Official Update Building Official John Harrison updated the Council on the 806 East Erie Street property, website improvements for property listings, vacant building registry discussions, code adoption efforts, insurance rating surveys, property maintenance enforcement, and code compliance activities. Council also discussed shipping containers and code enforcement concerns raised during public comment. Public Works Update Public Works Director Rich Gochenour provided updates on recent water main repairs, Longview Road improvements, the Fourth and Seventh Street water and street improvement project, environmental review requirements, anticipated project timelines, and other ongoing street and utility projects. Public Safety Discussion Council discussed several public safety matters, including possible amendments to the city's fireworks ordinance, enforcement of existing regulations, blocked railroad crossings and their impact on emergency response, traffic safety on Highway 30, and traffic control within the cemetery. Following discussion, Council reached consensus to install a stop sign at the cemetery entrance on 6th Street. Audit Proposal Motion by Tuttle, second by Meadows, to accept the audit proposal from Schroer & Associates, P.C. Roll Call: Tuttle, Keizer, Struble, Meadows, and Gilpin — all ayes. Motion carried. Fire Station Addition Motion by Struble, second by Tuttle, to authorize the Mayor to sign the Statement of Completion and Owner's Acceptance of Work for the Fire Station Addition. Council discussed conducting a final walkthrough and warranty items associated with the project. Roll Call: Tuttle, Keizer, Struble, Meadows — ayes; Gilpin — nay. Motion carried. Mayor and Council Comments Council received updates regarding recent water system repairs, implementation of the new utility billing software, delays in utility billing resulting from software conversion and water main repairs, the 500 East Erie Street project, and other ongoing city business. Appreciation was expressed to the Street Department and PeopleService for their work during recent utility repairs. City Administrator Report The City Administrator requested authorization to issue three pool admission refunds due to closures and scheduling conflicts. Council concurred. The City Administrator also informed the Council of the resignation of an EMT and requested permission to advertise the vacant position. Council concurred. Adjournment Motion by Struble, second by Tuttle, to adjourn the meeting at 7:37 p.m. Roll Call: Tuttle, Keizer, Struble, Meadows, and Gilpin — all ayes. Motion carried. HCTR 7-22-26
